Laguna Beach sets O.C. mark for consective league wins

Laguna Beach pitcher Blake Burzell, left, and catcher Cole Coscino begin to celebrate as their teammates rush to join them after winning their Orange County-record 46th consecutive league game Tuesday. The Breakers defeated Calvary Chapel, 8-5.
Calvary Chapel right fielder Jacob Todd leaps after a line drive from Laguna Beach's Zak Kovacic that went for a triple in a Orange Coast League baseball game Tuesday. Laguna Beach won, 8-5.
Laguna Beach pitcher Blake Burzell delivers a pitch in his complete-game effort against Calvary Chapel in a Orange Coast League game Tuesday. Laguna Beach won, 8-5.
Calvary Chapel pitcher Daniel Morales pitches from the stretch against Laguna Beach in a Orange Coast League game Tuesday.
Calvary Chapel first baseman Caleb Cesario throws out a Laguna Beach batter after a bunt in a Orange Coast League baseball game Tuesday.
Calvary Chapel's Michael Capocciama bunts against Laguna Beach in a Orange Coast League baseball game Tuesday.
Laguna Beach pitcher Callan Cochran throws out Calvary Chapel's Michael Capocciama after he bunted in a Orange Coast League baseball game Tuesday.
Calvary Chapel coach Cole Wilson argues a call with the umpire in a Orange Coast League baseball game against Laguna Beach on Tuesday. Laguna went on to win, 8-5.
Calvary Chapel left fielder Caleb Emma makes a sliding catch on a fly ball to end the top of the sixth inning Tuesday.
Laguna Beach players celebrate setting an Orange County record with their 46th consecutive league victory Tuesday. Laguna Beach defeated Calvary Chapel, 8-5, in an Orange Coast League game.
Laguna Beach's Jake Smith scores late in the game against Calvary Chapel in a Orange Coast League baseball game Tuesday.

By Nathan Percy | Orange County Register

May 5, 2015 at 9:07 p.m.

COSTA MESA – Since becoming Laguna Beach’s baseball coach prior to the 2011-12 school year, Mike Bair has wanted one thing above all else for his program: consistency.

The Breakers will be remembered for that trait after earning their 46th consecutive Orange Coast League victory on Tuesday by defeating Calvary Chapel, 8-5, at Vanguard University.

The win breaks the Orange County record for consecutive league wins. The mark had been 45, set twice by La Quinta from 2001-05 and 2005-08.

Laguna Beach hasn’t lost a league game since falling to Calvary Chapel on April 27, 2012.

“I think this puts us on the map a little bit,” Bair said. “To win 46 league games in a row, it’s not easy. … We go hard in practice and these kids know how to compete. When we get into pressure situations, they feel like they’ve already done it.”

The CIF-SS record for consecutive league wins is 58, set by Linfield Christian (2000-06).

The Breakers (17-6, 12-0) clinched a share of the league title with their victory.

Freshman pitcher Blake Burzell grinded out a complete game Tuesday, while shortstop Jeff Bruyntjens went 4 for 4 with 4 runs batted in.

After allowing Calvary Chapel (18-6, 9-3) to tie the score with a three-run third inning, the Breakers hit back even harder with a go-ahead run in the fourth and three more in the fifth inning.

Senior Jake Smith added a 3-for-4 day with a double, triple and two RBI.

“When they tied the game, we knew we needed to get on base and we just kept hitting,” Smith said. “We did a job.”

Isaiah Lara went 2 for 4 with two RBI for the Eagles. Left-handed pitcher Daniel Morales took the loss after allowing seven runs in four-plus innings.